ESA and Housing Benefit for students

Hi! I have been on ESA from September 2010 and am about to start college in September 2011.

I receive HB now and have been informed by the local council that I will be entitled to continue to HB once my course starts, even if I am taken off ESA. As my claim is under review at the moment after 6 months on WRAG allowance ESA, I am facing a dilemna.I also have to get permission from the DWP to do my one year non advanced study on ESA, a second dilemna.

If my ESA continues, I will do my course on that, provided I can get permission from the DWP. If I am taken off ESA, and put on JSA, I will appeal - hence my dilemna. Can I come off ESA myself and therefore support myself on a bursary without affecting my HB? i.e if I voluntarily come off ESA instaed of being taken off, do I still get HB?

Hope this is clear. Does anyone have any information about this?

Rob

Hi Robert

HB is not a benefit we cover but as far as I know if you come of ESA you should still qualify for HB provided that you satisfy the means test.

Regards

Derek